Woodworking NetworkOverall, window and door sales are projected to rise 4.8 percent annually through 2021, driven in part by the strength in new housing activity and commercial building construction, according to the Windows and Doors Market Forecast by The Freedonia Group.
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The HillA U.S. trade panel on Thursday, Dec. 7, unanimously ruled to uphold hefty duties on Canada's softwood lumber industry saying the U.S. industry has been harmed by unfair practices.
The U.S. International Trade Commission's made a final determination, in a 4-0 vote, that Canada subsidizes and dumps lumber exports into the United States, a move that is likely to increase already tense negotiations to update the North American Free Trade Agreement.READ MORE

Glass on WebThis fall the U.S. House passed a government-wide spending bill that funds the Energy Star program at $33 million, which is 53 percent less than current funding levels. An earlier draft of the budget proposed wiping out the program completely.
The future of Energy Star continues to be in flux. Operated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the program started under President George H.W. Bush as a way to promote energy conservation through requirements for windows, doors, appliances, lighting and other equipment.
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Small Business TrendsMaybe it’s because lawmakers in Washington, D.C. don’t know what will be in the final tax reform bill but only 47 percent of small business owners believe it’s going to benefit them.
Paychex recently surveyed a group of small business owners to see how they feel about federal attempts to pass major tax reform legislation. Less than half are confident that whatever’s passed will impact their businesses in a positive way.READ MORE

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Jamsill Guard® Sill Pan Flashing Jamsill Guard® is an adjustable sill pan flashing designed to prevent water damage from window and door leaks. Made from high impact ABS plastic, Jamsill Guard® will not deteriorate or corrode over time. Our multi-piece telescoping design allows on-site adjustability to fit all rough openings and features sloped weep areas to help evacuate moisture to the exterior of the structure. Jamsill Guard® is bonded together on site using PVC cement, creating a one-piece sill pan flashing beneath your door or window. Click here to view our video.

Door & Window Market Magazine Apprenticeships work for the door and window industry and other specialty trades. Researches from the Harvard Business School and Burning Glass Technologies identified what makes these programs work and how they can be implemented across other sectors. Room to Grow: Identifying New Frontiers for Apprenticeships, a study conducted by both groups, suggests that the U.S. can expand apprenticeships from the 27 industries that currently offer apprenticeship programs to a total of 74 industries.
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ABC via For Construction ProsThe majority of commercial and industrial contractors are confident about sales growth, profits and staffing levels heading into 2018, according to the latest Associated Builders and Contractors Construction Confidence Index. Despite rising construction labor and materials costs, 55 percent of contractors expect their profit margins to expand in the first half of 2018.READ MORE

Realtor.comCould a new study ease the next housing crisis?
When the housing bubble burst in 2008, federal policy makers thought they could limit the economic damage by helping to reduce amounts of principal owed on many mortgages, thus preventing foreclosures — especially for the millions of people who saw the value of their homes fall below the value of their mortgages.READ MORE

Move your triples and quads faster and safer utilizing only one person!
The new Scoop Dolly makes loading or unloading these top heavy objects a breeze.
No lifting! No injuries! Very Maneuverable and Easy to Use.

Construction DiveConstruction contracts greatly determine how a project is going to play out, whether the agreements are between owners and general contractors or subcontractors and general contractors. They can be fair, one-sided or even downright oppressive, depending on the terms. And once it is signed, that’s it, which is why it’s important to have an attorney look over it prior to final execution.
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Inc.The end of the year is a hectic time for any business owner, but it can be especially stressful and busy if you are a small business owner. On top of everything else you are trying to manage, the idea of doing tax research might not seem that appealing, but it's something that is well worth your time.
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For Construction ProsNew construction starts in October dropped 9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $742.9 billion, pulling back after a 14 percent jump in September, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. Over the past two months the pattern for total construction starts was shaped by nonresidential building, which fell 30 percent in October after soaring 37 percent in September. READ MORE